Estimating the Burden of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness in Grenada.
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Date
2013-12
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Abstract
This is the first study conducted in Grenada, with a population of approximately 108,000, to quantify the
magnitude, distribution, and burden of self-reported acute gastroenteritis (AGE). A retrospective population
survey was conducted in October 2008 and April 2009 and a laboratory survey from October 2008
to September 2009. The estimated monthly prevalence of AGE was 10.7% (95% CI 9.0-12.6; 1.4 episodes/
person-year), with a median of 3 days of illness. Of those who reported AGE, 31% sought medical care
(stool samples were requested from 12.5%); 10% took antibiotics; 45% took non-prescribed medication;
and 81% reported restricted activity. Prevalence of AGE was significantly higher among children aged <5
years (23.5%, p<0.001). Of the AGE stool samples submitted to the laboratory for analysis, 12.1% were positive
for a foodborne pathogen. Salmonella enteritidis was the most common foodborne pathogen associated
with AGE-related illness. The estimated percentage of underreporting of syndromic AGE to the Ministry of
Health was 69%. In addition, for every laboratory-confirmed foodborne/AGE pathogen, it was estimated
that there were 316 additional cases occurring in the population. The minimum estimated cost associated
with treatment for AGE was US$ 703,950 each year, showing that AGE has a potentially significant economic
impact in Grenada.
Description
Keywords
Acute gastroenteritis, Burden of Illness Study, Diarrhoea, Foodborne diseases, Foodborne pathogen, Laboratory survey, Population survey, Surveillance system, Grenada
Citation
Glasgow Lindonne M, Forde Martin S, Antoine Samuel C, Pérez Enrique, Indar Lisa. Estimating the Burden of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness in Grenada. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2013 Dec; 31(4 Suppl 1): S17–S29.